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Winegard RCDT09A

Portable converter box

pros
  • Optional battery and DC power adaptors
  • Compact size
  • Good tuner
  • Good video quality
cons
  • So-so picture quality
  • Remote control is small
  • Remote can't control other devices
  • Programming guide very basic
 
 
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5 star:
(8)
4 star:
(1)
3 star:
(2)
2 star:
(1)
1 star:
(0)

Average Customer Review

(12 customer reviews)

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The converter that runs on AC or DC without self modifications, April 3, 2009

Many of these boxes run off of DC if you know what to do . However this one will do it with accessories out of the box . For those interested it takes 7 watts running and 1 watt when plugged in and that little red light lit . They suggest you unplug it whenever your not going to use it for more then a day or if its in a RV after use . So put in a toggle switch I guess if your a perfectionist . I like mine but this is very basic though it has the right features . I dont get very good reception which confuses me . I have a antenna thats roof mounted . I get chanel 7 on analog but couldnt get it with this . How do you make the pass through work ? It seemed to distort the weak anolog signal .....it comes in with the antenna direct to the tv but not the box with it off to pass through . What stations I did receive from 13 miles away were great . They came in at about 80% . This box has the basic important features . Controls on the box itself incase the remote batteries go dead when your out in the woods or its lost . It won't do all operations though . It has pass through but I had trouble figuring it out ? The EPG is basic what your watching plus the next program . It has Closed Captioning . It has a clock and date which is nice . The remote is small but very functional . I have to put effort in to read it but its basic one will remember how to use it quickly . . Unit is very compact and looks nice with anyting it is black and silver so it matches either or just about anything . Comes with batteries and 3 foot coax to plug from it to the tv , You can use rca yellow red and white leads instead if your tv takes them but its not included . You get a AC plug with it . Suprisingly they suggest you unplug after use . For me I find uplugging from the back of the box is the easiest and lay the jack in a plastic cap that I lucked out and fits it . There is a 12volt dc adapter avialable wish Amazon sold it . There is also a 6 flashlight battery adapter to do it that way too it is supposed to run for 18 hours on 6 batteries . ON the 12 volt I am not sure my tv in the camper used to be able to go for up to three days so I imagine no worse then half that but expect more . I like this for my second one so I can put it in the camper or yard . We oftn plug into a portable car bettery pack . I just need to buy a 12 volt socket splitter now for it . God Bless . For $40 plus the coupon it will keep my 12 volt tv's working for years saving the planet and my wallet while prices keep coming down . I plan on looking for one with more bells and whistles for my second one . I suggest people look at the TV Pall plus , The Zinwell 970A, Insignia NS-DXA1 ,Zenith DTT900 ,Tivax STB-T8 , Channel Master 7000c Who knows might be some great deals on anologs at garage sales for years ;-) ! A penny saved is a penny earned . PS in general people say you dont need pass through after they convert but some little local stations will not have too . So it may be nice too have . I think in reality a simple A B switch by passing the converter is best as I cant get any with this Wingard thats supposed to have it anyways . Whether its off or on they dont come in . Maybe I just have a case of the Dumb AXX right now comments excepted . There are allot of boxes but one nice feature if your serious is a timer so you can record other channels when away like the TVPal plus has The satelite company boxes have them echostar and dish .

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Wingard RCDT09A, March 31, 2009
Great choice. More viewable channels. Easy installation. Downside, did not have the government coupon when I made the purchase.
Easy Setup, March 27, 2009

Winegard RCDT09A Digital To Analog TV Converter Box Setup was a breeze, I'm a girl, making me electronically challenged, but this was a piece of cake. I now have more channels and they are all free using rabbit ears only. I was pleasantly surprised that the Winegard had an RC jack allowing the connection of a component. The analog tv I connected it to had none, but now I can connect my DVD player or PS2 to it.

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Good product, March 20, 2009
Great product, I reviewed a lot of converter boxes before purchasing. It works every time. I live in Maui and get 6 channels now instead of 3. We are happy with the remote, and the look of the entire unit. I would buy this again.
So far, so good..., March 13, 2009
I haven't had to use this product much because the conversion date was postponed. However, in the few times I did use it, it seemed to perform fine. The fact that it's "on" (as denoted by a red light) when it's in the standby position irritates me since that means it's drawing power -- but maybe that's true of all/most electronics.
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Our Sources

1. CNET

CNet.com says that the Winegard RCDT09A "wouldn't be our first choice for a standard DTV converter box," but it lauds its added ability to be powered from batteries. Otherwise, performance and video quality are average, but the user guide is very basic, and the small remote can't also control a TV.

Review: Winegard RCDT09A, Matthew Moskovciak, Sept. 30, 2009

2. ConsumerReports.org

The Winegard RCDT09A is among the 31 converters currently covered by Consumer Reports. Unfortunately, while other factors are briefly discussed, the only ratings are for picture quality.

Review: DTV Converter Box Guide, Editors of Consumer Reports, Nov. 2008

3. Amazon.com

While there are only five reviews here of the Winegard RCDT09A, they are uniformly positive, with each awarding the digital TV converter five out of five stars. Only one reviewer directly reports on experiences on the road, and is very impressed.

Review: Winegard RCDT09A, Contributors to Amazon.com

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